David Unsworth has spoken of his delight to see his former club West Ham get back on track recently - but Everton’s Under-21 coach has backed the Blues to get the win on Saturday.

Unsworth said: “They are flying at the moment and from a coach’s point of view it’s great to see Sam Allardyce come out of the difficult period they were in four to six weeks ago.

“They lost six or seven first team players and I don’t care what team you are, if you lost that quality over a period results will fluctuate and you are bound to perform below the level you’re usually at.

“We have an over-reacting culture at the moment and it’s great to see a club stick by their manager and come out of a difficult period.”

West Ham had come under increasing pressure to sack manager Allardyce after a poor run of form left them in the relegation places in January.

After a 6-0 defeat to Championship side Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup the speculation intensified, but a recent winning streak of four games have lifted the Hammers to mid-table and eased the pressure on Allardyce.

Unsworth, who has made the most appearances for Everton in the Premier League, spent a season at West Ham in 1997/98 in between spells at the Blues.

He remembers the club fondly, but there is no doubt of where his allegiances lie.

He said: “I absolutely loved my year there. It’s a smashing club with passionate fans. It’s a club with great tradition and I am glad to see them doing well again.

“At the same time I fully expect us to continue our good home performances and it should be a very entertaining game.